Roos swamped by rampaging Magpies

With the second half of the Ovens and Murray season underway, the Roos faced the Magpies for the second time this year — but with a different lineup compared to round 1.

A strong start was vital, but Wangaratta had other plans, slamming on five unanswered goals in the opening term to leave Corowa on the back foot early.

To their credit, the Roos responded with renewed intensity in the second quarter.

Coach Cresswell’s men lifted their pressure and forced the Magpies into uncharacteristic mistakes, even if it didn’t fully reflect on the scoreboard.

Tom Forrest was outstanding, showing the form that earned him recognition with the Murray Bushrangers and stepping up as a genuine force in senior football.

Down back, Jack Rowston continued his development, playing with poise and becoming an important link in the Roos’ defensive structure.

A major highlight was the performance of new recruit Ky Williamson. The exciting youngster dazzled with his agility and footy smarts, weaving around defenders and slotting a classy goal to lift the home crowd.

Darcy Melksham was influential once again in his return from CDHBU, leading with a game high 33 disposals, and delivering with confidence and composure.

Young guns Finn Osborne and Paddy Lavis continued to impress. Lavis booted two goals, while Osborne collected 25 disposals in another mature display in the 12.10.82 to 5.8.38 result.

While the final margin didn’t fall in their favour, there were plenty of positives for Corowa Rutherglen.

With a crucial clash against Wodonga Raiders looming, the Roos must regroup quickly. The Raiders are hungry for their first win, and complacency could be costly.

Goals: P Lavis 2, K Bradtke 1, J Hansen 1, K Williamson 1.

Best: T Forrest, J Rowston, J Cresswell, K Williamson, F Osborne, P Lavis.

Roos Development Squad bounce back in style

Corowa Rutherglen 13.2.80 def Wangaratta 6.13.49.

Corowa Rutherglen’s development squad produced a strong response to last week’s defeat, claiming a 31-point win over the Wangaratta Magpies — their second victory over the Pies this season — to move two games clear inside the top five.

Some changes were made to the lineup, including the return of Degan Purcell and Luke Backhouse, who played his first game since 2022.

The Roos came out firing, producing their best start of the season with a six-goal opening term that left the Magpies scrambling.

Captain Mak Lavis set the tone early, slotting the first major within two minutes to ignite the team’s energy. From there, the Roos barely put a foot wrong.

Club record holder Kade Kuschert was outstanding in defence, reading the play superbly and distributing the ball with precision — a performance reminiscent of his finest footy.

Despite a slight lapse in concentration late in the second quarter, the Roos regrouped at halftime to ensure they kept in control of the match.

Degan Purcell stepped up after the break, creating separation from his opponents and driving the team forward.

A highlight came when Jed Ansell slotted a crucial goal, drawing a passionate reaction from senior coach Daryn Creswell on the sidelines.

In the end, Corowa Rutherglen ran out strong winners in a strong return to form, kicking brilliantly for goal, 13.2.80 to 6.13.49.

With finals on the horizon, the Roos will need to maintain this momentum to make a real impact in the business end of the season.

Goals: D Purcell 6, T Young 1, J Ugle 1, M Lavis 1, F Byrnes 1, J Kuschert 1, J Ansell 1, B Pirnag 1.

Best: D Purcell, K Kuschert, T Young, M Lavis, F Byrnes, J Richardson.

Thirds

Corowa Rutherglen 5.5.35 def by Wangaratta 10.10.70.

On a crisp and frosty morning at John Foord Oval, the Corowa-Rutherglen Under 18s took on the Wangaratta Magpies in what marked the halfway point of the 2025 season.

Corowa-Rutherglen burst out of the gates with intensity and purpose, quickly establishing a promising lead in the opening term.

The return of Isaac Dickinson added a spark up forward, with the talented forward proving instrumental in early scoring passages and providing a much-needed target inside 50.

However, the momentum shifted drastically in the second quarter. A lapse in defensive pressure allowed Wangaratta to take full control, piling on six unanswered goals before the halftime siren.

The Roos entered the break stunned, facing a daunting deficit.

The third quarter saw a resurgent Corowa-Rutherglen take the field with renewed energy.

Blake Bilney-Dinan was pivotal through the midfield, creating influential passages of play and helping the Roos wrest back some control.

His ball use and vision sparked several forward entries that kept the contest alive.

The Roos were also bolstered by a trio of Under 16s who stepped up impressively to the challenge. Will Forrest, Bill Linden and Emmitt Northey were outstanding throughout the match, displaying composure beyond their years and contributing strongly across all areas of the ground.

Flynn Byrnes continued his string of solid performances, once again showing why he’s becoming a key piece in the Roos' future. Down back, Brodie Eyers stood tall under pressure, holding steady in defence and repelling several Magpie attacks in crucial moments.

Despite a late push in the final term and a lift in intensity across the ground, the damage inflicted during the second quarter proved too much to overcome.

The Roos mounted a commendable comeback but ultimately couldn't bridge the gap, falling to a well-drilled Wangaratta.

As the season passes its midpoint, the Roos can take plenty of positives from the match — particularly the efforts of their emerging young talents and the resilience shown after adversity.

With continued growth and improvement, this group looks well poised for a strong back half of the season.